Careers

Leanne pretty much stumbled upon this career choice. Her dad restored wooden boats,
she spent lots of time boating with her family in Ontario, and she always had an
interest in sailing. Despite this, she didn’t consider a career on the water.

Leanne did well in school and chose science and math courses so that no door would
be closed. When she got a scholarship for nursing, she realized that wasn’t what
she wanted to study. With family support, Leanne researched careers related to boating.
She found the right program in NL and packed her bags.

What’s Leanne’s educational background?

Leanne enrolled in the Marine Institute’s Nautical Science program. She was not
sure that she had done the right thing until her first work term.

However, once she went to sea, she knew she had chosen wisely. She enjoyed sailing
and its many responsibilities and challenges. The work and the travel suited her
well, and she was successful in her studies.

Since graduating, Leanne has done Transport Canada exams in order to get higher
tickets, and she is working part time on her degree in Maritime Studies. Her education
and credentials are important to her personally and professionally.

What’s Leanne’s job all about?

Leanne works as a Technical Assistant at the Canship office in St. John’s, but she
didn’t get this job right after graduating. In her first job, she worked as a ship’s
officer on a ferry sailing NL’s south coast. She then took a job with Canship as
third officer and went home to live in ON. Although her travel to join the vessel
in NL was all paid, she moved back to St. John’s after a time. She has stayed with
Canship ever since and worked up to second mate.

Leanne loved learning the workings of the ship. She maintained all fire and safety
gear, helped make chart corrections, and maintained vessel publications. During
her watch, she ensured safe navigation; and during cargo movements, she kept the
vessel in the position required for stability. She was amazed by the way the ship
loaded a cargo of oil from an offshore platform and distributed that oil evenly
among her tanks.

The work was technically challenging and always offered new learning. Leanne brings
all her at-sea work experience to her new job on shore.

What are Leanne’s working conditions like?

When on the ship, Leanne worked five-week rotations. She had her own cabin and washroom
with shower, as well as full access to the ship’s sauna, gym, and lounge.

She currently works in a modern St. John’s office. It’s a very attractive and professional
environment.

What benefits are associated with Leanne’s job?

Leanne’s initial salary as a third mate was in $70,000 - $75,000 range. The money
increased along with her experience and credentials.

Leanne had to take a small pay cut for her new job as Technical Assistant, but it’s
worth it. Her husband works offshore, so they want more home life and time together.
They have decided to start a family, so the timing was perfect for her to switch
jobs and work on shore.

What’s exciting or cool about Leanne’s career area?

For ships’ officers, the higher the ticket, the better the job. The goal for most
Nautical Science graduates is to become master mariners in order to sail as masters
onboard any type of vessel.

For Leanne, it’s cool that she can choose her job from among lots of nautical science
career alternatives. She enjoyed her time on the water, and she had no limitations
as a female in the profession. She feels lucky to have a career that lets her switch
roles now that family life is her priority.

What advice would Leanne give to people considering a marine transportation
career?

This is a fantastic career with limitless opportunities for people who are willing
to learn and able to deal with new challenges. As well, good attitudes are important
for sea-goers. They need to respect their fellow crewmates and to take full responsibility
for their actions.